Arab Spring and Israeli Summer

Israel is showing the world how it’s done once again. This time, it’s how to protest.

Ever so quietly, Israel is showing the world how it’s done. Again. No we aren’t referring to microprocessors, nanotechnology or world class academic research. We’re talking about “Hey hey, ho ho, something something has gotta go,” protesting.

Countries across the Arab world have been “protesting” against their brutal dictators since the spring. The media has so romanticized the protests they’ve renamed a season after them -- the “Arab Spring.” The Irish are of course furious. They don’t know what they’re going to do with three million tonnes of now useless soap (yes, that’s an Irish Spring joke).

But what the media isn’t telling you is that these Arab protests aren’t really that romantic, unless you’re into that sort of thing. And the Israeli protests? No violence, no looting, no rape, no barbarism, no torture, no arrests and charges. It’s practically a candlelight dinner.

Skeptical? Don’t take our word for it. Take a look at the pictures below:

Egypt

Remember the romantic protests in Egypt? Freedom square and all of that? Well here are a group of Egyptians marching “peacefully,” lighting up for the cause of freedom.

Israel

Israelis on the other hand are protesting high living costs in Israel. They are doing so by erecting tents around the country. And sleeping in them. In their sleeping bags. Worst case scenario: they may be telling each other ghost stories.

Iran

There have also been protests in Iran over the continued allegations that the election of Mahmoud Achmadinijad was rigged. See above. The Arab Spring is apparently really into fire. Maybe they are purging, like a cleanliness thing. Just for safety considerations alone, perhaps they should consider using Irish Spring instead.

Israel

Israeli protests are really into sleeping.

Yemen

In Yemen, the uprising was initially against unemployment, government corruption and the overall unpopular leadership of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. And you’ll never guess…wait for it… the protests turned violent. Take a look at this guy. Remember that Paul Hogan line from the movie Crocodile Dundee, “That’s not a knife, this is a knife?” Would you believe this fellow is trying out for a role in the sequel titled Ali Abdullah Saleh Dundee: Escape from Yemen?

Israel

By contrast, in Israel, the weapon of choice appears to be the guitar.

Bahrain

In Bahrain, protestors demanded equal rights for the majority Shia population but the government responded with a brutal crackdown and protests soon turned violent.

Israel

In Israel on the other hand, protests have been peaceful. They’ve even included cute signs referencing 1986 hit songs. The Bangles are no doubt shepping nachas.

Syria

Syrian President Bashar Al Assad has viciously cracked down on his people, by most accounts killing thousands. The United Nations and even the Arab League have condemned the brutality.

Israel

The Israeli police on the other hand have been measured in their response, and have in many cases been applauded for the efforts by the protestors themselves. Here notice the Israeli police holding hands to contain the crowd. “Red rover, red rover, we call Itzik over.”

London

Israel has even put Western democracies to shame with their un-mensch-like protesting techniques. See here protestors from the recent London riots causing havoc. The London Times estimates the damage caused in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Israel

At the Israeli protests there have been lots of flags and balloons. Balloons are cool.

London

In London, rioters have brazenly attacked police and even their horses. Their horses?! Really?!

Israel

Again, Israelis have been completely respectful of law enforcement. See the picture above. Notice police car not on fire.

London

Due to pervasive camera surveillance in London, protestors have resorted to dressing up, head to toe, to hide their identities.

Israel

Due to pervasive cameras at the Israeli rallies, protestors have resorted to dressing up in kitchy costumes like this gentleman who is dressed as Zionist founder Theodore Herzl. And you should see this guy’s Golda Meir costume. It’s killer.

So there you have it: Arab Spring versus Israeli Summer. Which season would you choose?

Visitor Comments: 63

Great piece! My friend Gregory slept in those tents. Sounds like it was very peaceful.

(50)
Laurie Dinestein-Kurs,
October 2, 2011 1:58 PM

Israel summer

Too bad the only people who will see this comparison already know the facts....the rest of the "world" will not see it, has no clue of the realitles in the ME and wouldn't want to believe it anyway. I believe they are most content feeling hatred for Israel and by extension all Jews. Arab Spring has given license to say freely, what in the past they were inhibited from expressing.

(49)
Minzie Markowitz,
September 19, 2011 5:35 AM

It's called humour people!

In my opinion this was a sarcasticly whimsical piece intented to poke fun at how Israel is often depicted in the media. Whether some criticism is warrented or not rarely is anything accurately or positively conveyed to the masses with regard to Israel.
Gotta love how some commenters are crying biased bloody murder. Look at the author's style of writing before you call the lynch mob. He's the freakin CEO of Jewlarious for crying out loud!

(48)
Anonymous,
August 26, 2011 3:44 PM

Silly

This article is ridiculous. Both of these pictures are exceptionally biased - for example, no mention of the broom brigades in the London riots - volunteers who cleaned up the damage the rioters wrought. Furthermore, it's presumptuous - look at these barbaric Arabs looting and pillaging, with the implication it's all they know how to do. Let us put it this way. If we are to believe your article, Israel is perfectly fair and democratic, correct? And the Arab nations are totalitarian, authoritarian regimes, correct? Doesn't that alone explain the different levels of violence? How many totalitarian, authoritarian regimes do you know that have collapsed due to peaceful protest? I cannot think of a single one. Violence is needed to change these states.
In regards to London, I don't think you fully understand the motivations for the riots. It began as a protest over a shooting, then developed into general anger over the rising student fees, and other policies the current Government has put into place, and then turned into widespread rioting and looting.
In regards to the romanticization of the revolutions name, do you have any problem with the name 'Prague Spring'? Or is it just because this is a romance connected to the Arabic world, and it makes you feel uncomfortable?

(47)
Mansour Mansouri,
August 26, 2011 9:29 AM

I love summer season of Israel.

There are lots of differences between The Arab Spring
and Israel Summer

(46)
pamela,
August 25, 2011 11:01 PM

The devil at work

Israel, the only nation in the world who know how to protest peacefully. Reading the comments, I was going to say that violence is all that islam knows, but then we came to London!!!! Well, The devil is now only at work in the muslim protesters, seems we have our own demon possessed thugs. Just shows who are the chosen people!!!

(45)
J LaLone,
August 25, 2011 7:34 PM

No Comparison Possible

The people of those nations have been living voiceless and powerless. They could not overthrow their autocratic and dangerous government by setting up tents and sleeping in the street, or by playing guitars and singing songs. There is no excuse for them to rape or damage property, but they would have to use force to initiate change. I pray that they can set up democracies and prosper, rather than have just one more autocratic and violent group govern them. Bless the innocent. May there be peace, justice, and equality in these nations. May God make them a friend to Israel and vice versa.

(44)
Katie,
August 25, 2011 7:04 PM

are you serious?

I live here and in no way am protesting and/or believe they should protest to create this mess. however, there is freedom of speech.
we moved here last year, and I must say, that when I saw the prices of food I was ready to cry. however, I was not running out the door and complaining.
who wrote this? the grass always looks greener on the other side. does the author live here to make it look so 'wow'? I think the author needs to take off his/her rose colored glasses. unfortunately I must ask, and this is without speaking loshon hora, does the peson writing this believe that everything and everyone is lollypops and rainbows? this article does not mention the call for 'revolution' on the TV news reports. and from reading the newspapers, the plans of the tent protests is to bring down the government. well, that does not sound like peace to me. I am not in anyway justifying any protests... but no place is perfect. without sounding pessimistic, I live in the real world. and I am a believer. and by the way, history shows that no protest ends well. we need to remember the Golden Rule.

(43)
Linda G,
August 25, 2011 4:47 PM

Protests

Gee, no wonder we didn't get the press coverage: I guess we need more people dressed up like Israeli heroes. By the way, where's PETA with regard to those horses being beaten up?

(42)
susannah garbutt,
August 25, 2011 1:23 PM

comparing apples and oranges

I agree with Alex Collins and David Smith - the Arabs have lived under dictators for years - Israel is a democracy. The journalism is very lightweight and there is no legitimate argument in this article. I doubt if many govts would take notice of a 'tent city' when it comes to political protest. I don't know enough about the London riots to judge - but if it can happen in London, it can happen anywhere. It's scary, it is a constant battle to maintain a healthy democracy. In a country whose govt/dictatorship has no system of independent checks and balances, it would seem logical that protests turn violent, and in the case of the Arab states, it seems that it's the govt forces (police and army etc) that are creating the violent responses of the protestors by first using violence themselves. Plus there are violence-prone people at any rally or protest, and it can happen anywhere. Smugness does not belong in this depiction of peaceful vs violent protest. I take heart in the movement for democracy in the Arab world - perhaps we will have some form of democracy there and the Arab world can catch up to the West. It's about time the ordinary people got a fair go, and I wish them every success in their quest for the liberty and basic respect for the individual that we enjoy in the West. God knows enough of our people have died defending our freedom.

Rachel,
August 26, 2011 1:30 AM

Lighten up!

Umm, maybe because Aish displayed this so prominently you all missed the point that this was a humor piece???

(41)
Alex Collins,
August 25, 2011 11:31 AM

Boasting is not edifying

I read with interest many of the articles on your website and almost invariable I am in agreement with them. This article however is not edifying. Please do not boast as you do not know what tomorrow will bring and when you see the turmoil in other countries just remember that apart from the grace of God that could be you or Israel that you and I love - and I am not Jewish

(40)
RMM,
August 24, 2011 6:34 PM

These crazy Jews

These crazy Jews make the rest of the world's protesters look even crazier!

(39)
Twila,
August 24, 2011 5:50 PM

cute..

get a grip people.. it's a cute article.. i love the red rover line.. it is nice to contrast the way we go through life and difficulties and the way others do.. aish is here to give chizuk to the jewish masses.. and it uplifts me to see the jews with their balloons.. G.d bless them! Keep in mind that the author of the article is the one who writes for jewlarious.. his "job" is to make us smile which he efficiently does.. smile people, it won't crack your face

(38)
Steven M.Lukens,
August 24, 2011 2:36 PM

DO AN ARTICLE HOW CALIFORNIAS ATTEMPT TO MAKE CIRCUMSICION ILLEGAL IS HOW THE NAZIS STARTED!

MAKING GOOD AND WHOLESOME THINGS ILLEGAL, IS THE ESSENCE OF EVIL. ALL JEWISH PEOPLE SHOULD FIGHT THIS AS WELL AS ALL PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL. THIS IS FLAGRANT ANTI-SEMITISM. REMIND CHRISTIANS THAT NEXT COMES MAKING ANY DISPLAY OF A CROSS ILLEGAL!!! THEY ARE NEXT!!! THIS IS ONE INSTANCE OF A CANARY IN A COA

(37)
David Michael Smith,
August 24, 2011 2:24 PM

Facile

I support Israel with all my heart, but this article seems a bit glib. Thank God (and those who worked so hard to achieve it), Israel has enjoyed democracy since it's inception. People in the Arab states in question have been under oppression for decades. This is not as excuse for violence, but it should make their protests more understandable.

Michael,
August 24, 2011 4:06 PM

No oppression in London so what's your point?

All well said and done for the Arab nations, but the truth is as depicted by London, it makes no difference.

(36)
Debra,
August 24, 2011 8:22 AM

Inappropriate and Unnecessary

And your point is...? "We're better than them. Na na na na na." Now what? This is the sort of thing I get in an email and refuse to forward because it's nothing more than juvenile boasting. I rely on and honor Aish for articles that are informative and illuminating. This piece clouds information with baseless comparisons. When we attempt to elevate ourselves by devaluing others, we shame ourselves.

sally,
August 24, 2011 4:46 PM

disagree with Debra

I understand your point, but have to disagree. Anti-semitism is so rampant, that we need all the information we can get, to be proud and ready to defend ourselves. with so much propaganda against us, we need to hear the good things to remind us how wrong the jew-haters are and how amazing our People is. Believe it or not, a lot of Jews out there critize themselves as much as the anti-semites. Just read Haaretz and its commentaries and you'll see.

Le,
December 9, 2011 7:04 AM

Hello?

it's a humor piece people - read it again and lighten up!!!

(35)
Anonymous,
August 24, 2011 8:13 AM

Israel will always choose peace over violence! Ashreynu!

(34)
Dan aliya from 2002,
August 24, 2011 7:28 AM

responsibility vs. humour? amona revisited

As an immigrant to Israel since before the events of Amona, i believe it possible to strongly disfavour the approach of this article -- although amidst the anguish evoked from photos of upheaval (of our violent neighbours), i had a momentary rise of pride/joy -- but predominant were the blaring contradictions of the mockery's content (see Psalms 1:1 and Proverbs 21:1 [i.e. no time to gloat]). Other contradiction: Israeli's are protesting for a left wing solution to housing prices, etc. while living with the UNCHECKED VALUES of so-called "free" liberal capitalist democracies -- Stop acute consumerism and pay the rent... also work instead of playing at US sleep away camp. There are more grave problems to face in Israel, not the least of which, Jew against Jew...

Anonymous,
August 24, 2011 4:59 PM

still, we are a good example

even if what israelis were protesting, would be something that brings up too much anger to be totally pacifist, I cannot imagine Israelis ever looting or raping. sometimes they clash with police, but never burn or destroy anyones property. I for one, am very proud of who we are and our values.

(33)
Anonymous,
August 24, 2011 6:07 AM

Fabulous

Did I mention, FABULOUS?

(32)
Anonymous,
August 24, 2011 4:05 AM

So true!

I couldn't have said it better. I was just saying the same thing to a friend of mine.

(31)
Jannette,
August 24, 2011 4:04 AM

Pass this on for the world to see and learn!!

The only thing that reach the headlines about Israel is lies and bias news. as an Israeli I am proud of my people and G-d bless Israel and keep our IDF safe..

(30)
Anonymous,
August 24, 2011 12:53 AM

Verywell done

Iam very proud of Israel

(29)
Rosen,
August 24, 2011 12:31 AM

what about Libya vs. Israel?

It's great that Israelis really know how to protest peacefully such as with guitars over guns, but what about Libya? Since there was a major breakthrough today in Tripoli with the rebels taking over Gadafi's compound, what would be the contrast between Israeli and Libyan protests, either peaceful or violent?

Unprecedented riots throughout the world this last season - even Canada's Vancouver gave way to smashing coffee shop windows & looting after a sports game. As a Cdn resident, the most embarrassing public situation i ever remember!! Makes you wonder how much the crowd mentality leads this 'snowball of violence'. bravo Israel for keeping it safe & courteous!!

(25)
Justmt2sense,
August 23, 2011 9:49 PM

arab spring.

I love Israel and the Jewish people,And I have never really saw a biased story until now.You know just as well as me if they tried a peaceful protest the Muslims would attack.They take something like a peaceful protest as a sign of weakness.You give your people a place to do a peaceful demonstration they would be laughed at.That is the major theme of arab countries VIOLENCE.So to compare a civilized nation to a people that do not have this right I feel is unfair.They keep them on edge always to keep control of them to justify the brutality that they use on them.Just my opinion. I still love Aisch!!!!

(24)
Rachel,
August 23, 2011 9:20 PM

Not Theodore -- Abraham

Lincoln, that is! (The guy in the top hat, I mean.) Unless the sign has been cropped in such a way as to leave out his Herzl-esque identity....

(23)
rRMM,
August 23, 2011 9:05 PM

We Jews do things differently

Much to the consternation of the rest of the world, from time immemorial, we Jews have been doing things differently - and better - no matter what it is we are doing. We do it better, faster, sower, more artfuly, scientifically, literately, musically, and so on. We are aware that there are a sufficient number of Jew haters in the world to make all of us who are Jews to be aware that we are always being watched watched for the missteps we might make. Such missteps may pass unnoticed when non-Jews ocasionally make them. But Jews are expected, yea, required - to toe the line and live up to an expectation that non-Jews impose on them, even though many of these non-Jews cannot live up to such expectations themselves.
In all fairness, however, one must state categorically that such opinions and attitudes are fast becoming far less acceptabe behavior amongst intelligent, cultured, literate people of virtually every faith. After all, which of us has a G-d so different from that of our brothers and sisters?

(22)
lisa,
August 23, 2011 5:34 PM

Israel Protests -its a family thing

In contrast to the pictures from the Arab world, the protests in Israel are a family thing. I saw large family groups with small children out protesting motzi Shabbat and it warmed my heart. I can't imagine any disgruntled Israeli Youth taking out their frustrations in riots against innocent shop keepers. Such things have never happened here and could never. Its our country and we care. We are all in it together.

(21)
samuel mattatia,
August 23, 2011 4:49 PM

Proud to be Jewish and an Israeli (in the diaspora).

I live in Britain (called Great Britain some time ago). Nothing so great, seeing the brutality, lootings, murders, arsons that took place a few weeks ago!!They behaved like animals just the same as did the assorted populations of the arab world - call that arab spring??more like siberian winter!!!! How can anyone compare that with the israeli demonstrations?????GO WITH G-D ISRAEL - GO!!!!!!!!!

(20)
Moshe,
August 23, 2011 4:34 PM

quick social evolution

I enjoy the way society in Israel evolves quickly. The Kibbutzim were a concentrated social experiment. Unbridled capitalism is the current social & economic idiom, so where are we going next? I hope a nice synthesis of enterprise with real community responsibility.

(19)
sevi,
August 23, 2011 4:26 PM

your sub-headline is wrong.

Israel is not showing the world anything. The protests in Israel is very under-reported and the world couldn't care less about the protests in Israel. Even the firing of missiles by Hamas brings no widespread concern and is also under-reported.

Thanks for the article. Too bad there were no pictures of the massive challot that were brought over from Bnei Brak to Tel Aviv before Shabbat or the nightly song fests or the open air kitchens that were set up. BUT not everything was warm and wonderful. These tent settlers made it very hard for the residents in those Tel Aviv neighborhoods to sleep at night.
But the difference between ourselves and our "neighbors" is chilling. Let's not forget that we are the only democracy in the Middle East and that anyone can make her/his opinions heard and that is evident everywhere you walk in our country.
But as we were shown last week – this wonderful 'kumbaya-60s moment' was brought to a screeching halt with bombs raining down on us in the south, and with innocent Israelis being killed and maimed. Over a hundred bombs in all shapes and sizes rained down on Israeli cities throughout the south and I want to remind y'all that OUR south is very small and narrow and crowds in on the center and northern part of our country within just a few hours' drive. And we must walk a very narrow and slippery road with our 'neighbors', when it comes to our own defense and security!
We are never left alone to "just deal with" our own internal problems and challenges.

(16)
Anonymous,
August 23, 2011 3:57 PM

We want to see the:

We want to see the Golda costume. Please?

(15)
Roger C.,
August 23, 2011 3:54 PM

Re: 'The Arab Spring and the Israeli Summer.'

Very impressive! Yet again, Israel sets the Perfect standard and example of true democracy, though there's great humor noted here, it teaches a very important lesson for all to learn that we can be civilized in protesting without violence. Awesome! Thanks Mr. R. Rabkin, Jewlarious, and Aish.com

(14)
Anonymous,
August 23, 2011 3:46 PM

Savagery

Arabs/Muslims savage their perceived enemies, they savage anyone who criticizes them (like Theo van Gogh), they savage innocents in markets, cafes and busses (and think they are doing it for Allah) and they savage each other (Iran/Iraq, Sunnis/Shiites, etc) - savagery is the only response they know. What a sorry lot. And yet they get the sympathy of the world. Go figure!!! Does anyone really think that governments that replace any unseated in the "Arab Spring" will be any better?

(13)
León achar,
August 23, 2011 3:11 PM

I do not see the need to confront and compare whatever Israel does right to Arab or other countries behavior. Just say what is right.
Believe me we have many things to be ashamed of vis a vis other countries.

(12)
Mike Danziger,
August 23, 2011 3:11 PM

Israel's Summer is bearly mentioned in the press.

It is bearly mentioned and most people other then Jews don't seemed to be reading what little of it that is reported.

(11)
Anonymous,
August 23, 2011 3:06 PM

add-on to above comment

I should be clear, I do NOT think that Israel is superior. I wanted to say that articles like this have an air of superiority that I find inappropriate.

(10)
Anonymous,
August 23, 2011 3:04 PM

is this what we should be doing?

In all due respect, I find it inappropriate to make this comparison at all. What do we get out of it?
First of all, this kind of article seems to suggest a kind of superiority of Israel and Jews over Arab nations. This is extremely dangerous. Rather than asserting how great we are, we should be trying to understand and bridge differences. That, I believe, is how true progress occurs.
Second, in the dictatorial regimes controlling these Arab nations, non-violent protest is simply not going to work. Non-violent protests are simply quashed by these brutal governments. Israel is a democracy which allows free speech, so non-violent protests are not only allowed but part of the democratic process.
I just find that we should not be asserting our superiorty and uniqueness. Instead, let's look for bridges between peoples and create true, meaningful, lasting partnerships.

(9)
Avril,
August 23, 2011 2:55 PM

This is so good

I am an avid "fighter' for Israel on u-tube. Do I have permission to use parts of any of your articles for our pro-israel arguments with the haters.
This article is really good - pity we can't get it across to all the Arab States, who are "enjoying" their uprisings.
Israel, Israel, Israel - thumbs up all the way.

(8)
Laura,
August 23, 2011 2:53 PM

Not That Simple

Your comparision has merit but it's not so black and white.

(7)
Sandra,
August 23, 2011 2:34 PM

go Israel

If only the Arab nations would take heed and learn from Israel. How amazing the Middle East could be if all despots were removed from power and the populace sought peace in a civil social order. Israel is the one nation their neighbors would be wise to emulate.

(6)
Yaakov Geis,
August 23, 2011 1:32 PM

offensive off-hand remark

The item on London includes a highly offensive off-hand remark that "These rioters should be put to sleep and used to make glue."
This does not belong on a Jewish website. It shouldn't be on any website, but I would expect Aish's standards of respect for human life to be high.

(5)
Anonymous,
August 23, 2011 12:55 PM

Love the Red Rover comment!!!!

Love the Red Rover comment!!!

(4)
scott,
August 23, 2011 12:04 PM

arrogance

while it is good these protests were kept peaceful, this article should have stuck to the event. your choice to say we are better than you is a poor one. be responsible with your journalism.

(3)
Abigail,
August 23, 2011 10:47 AM

Stark contrast

If only the Israeli government would pay heed to these protests and make the necessary reforms this country deserves.

(2)
Jon Torkveen,
August 22, 2011 8:38 AM

Israel is in my heart. I pray that the country must not be
devided in two separate states not in Sept. no never. That will be the beginning of the end for Israel.
Instead Israel should have the Westbank like Galila.

Johnnydee,
August 23, 2011 6:37 PM

Fear not

Have no fear Jon, Israel will never be defeated while they have the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob on their side. Remember, His Word tells us they are the apple of His eye.

(1)
Dvirah,
August 21, 2011 5:41 PM

Protest Styles

The recent protests in Israel are reminisent of those held in the 1960's in the US. In fact, the Israeli protests are so "laid back" that it is to be feared that the Israeli government will not take them seriously enough.

Miriam,
August 22, 2011 5:02 PM

1960s

Cept that in the 1960s, they were taken seriously... I mean, it took years but it happened.

A proud Israeli,
August 22, 2011 7:43 PM

The Israeli protestors are not laid back

They fight when they are requested to do so as part of their obligatory national service.
They work in order to make a living.
They pay taxes, get married and have children.
They take responsibility for their own lives.
and they protest like Jews! With Derech Eretz.
We are one nation. The soldiers are my brother, my father, my husband, my children and my friends.
The policemen are my uncle, my cousin and my friends.
I live in my own country, I fight for my own people and my own land and I don't need to act like an animal in order to be heard.
A Jew is something to be proud of! and I am proud of all the Jewish protestors are showing the world what it means to be a jew!!!
Shame it doesn't reach the headlines. shame.
I am proud of Israel and I am proud to be Israeli!

Avril,
August 23, 2011 2:58 PM

goose bumps

I love what you said about our Israeli family. We are one together, shoulder to shoulder.
אני אוהבת אותך
אווריל

eva,
August 23, 2011 5:41 PM

What else is new, but

Don't hold your breath waiting for compliments from the world, or the media. Or even acknowledgement.

Jeff Allan,
August 23, 2011 8:13 PM

We in Galut are proud of you all,my special Israeli Family

It does not matter that we do not reach the headlines,It reaches our hearts and minds.Just understand that your fellow Jews are so proud of your actions. In the end that is what counts .Those who admire us will take great pleasure from our deeds and those that do not, will never be impressed, May hashem reward you all for your achdut and Derech Eretz, Let us continue to be the living light to the nations.

Anonymous,
August 23, 2011 11:07 PM

Good point

this is true. though this article is a bit stereotypical, there is a pt. to be made for cultural difference. Remember the protests by tibetan monks about 5 years ago? overturned rice bowls & human mandalas? We need more "Give up lunch for peace" protests - particularly in countries that can still afford to give up lunch. Being mindful & cultivating the gifts of the mind is true wealth in this world:

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...